Next time it might be simpler to just start a new thread rather than "convert" a new one. If you run into a dead end with an appliance (e.g., zenphoto) that's OK - just post an update that you're not working on it any more due to issues X, Y and Z.

I tried Coppermine and I wasn't really impressed by the user experience it provides. Kind of ugly for a photo gallery. Gallery provides a better experience. OTOH, it seems to have a large following. Or at least more accurately it did have a large following at some point judging by the amount of traffic on the forums, though I get the feeling most people use Coppermine as an integrated component in another system (e.g., phpBB) rather than a standalone system.

I was also very put off by the author's rude and unfriendly attitude towards his community. This is from a blog post he wrote last year:

"Never argue with an idiot. They pull you down to their level, then beat you with experience". I came across with this quote today and instantly thought of coppermine forums.There is no dearth of such morons on coppermine forums.

Ouch. In the words of very cute anthromorphic bunny: "If you can't say something nice... don't say nothing at all."